Resolution to Initiate a Pilot Program Providing One Year of Free Membership to Public Interest and Government Lawyers

WHEREAS, the Philadelphia Bar Association continues to pursue a goal of 100% membership and involvement in the Bar Association by eligible attorneys;

WHEREAS, the Bylaws of the Philadelphia Bar Association require lawyers employed in public interest or governmental agencies to pay reduced annual dues in varying amounts depending on the year of their admittance to the Pennsylvania Bar;

WHEREAS, public interest and government lawyers often have significant financial obligations, coupled with modest salaries, such that the payment of membership dues impedes many of them from joining the Association;

WHEREAS, waiving the membership dues for one year of full membership for full-time public interest and government lawyers who have never before been members of the Philadelphia Bar Association will introduce them to the many benefits of membership and thereby encourage their continued involvement in the Association;

WHEREAS, waiving the dues above specified will result in the addition of new members who will contribute to the mission, goals, and aspirations of the Association;

WHEREAS, public interest and government lawyers who become members of the Association are likely to remain dues-paying members of the Association in their subsequent years of practice;

WHEREAS, waiving the dues of lawyers who are employed full-time by a public interest or governmental agency for one year will encourage them to become active members of the organization and works toward meeting the 100% membership goal.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Governors of the Philadelphia Bar Association approves, for a three-year period, effective April 1, 2008, waiving the first year dues payable for membership in the Philadelphia Bar Association for those lawyers who are employed full time by a public interest agency or by a federal, state or local governmental agency, and who have never before been a member of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Association will continue to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of this resolution on the enrollment and retention of members.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this provision expires December 31, 2011 unless renewed by the Board of Governors.